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About FCS

In the early 1990’s a man by the name of Brian Whitty approached three local surfers from the Northern Beaches of Sydney with a brainwave; removable surfboard fins.

Removable fins would make traveling easier, allow surfers to change their fin setup to suit varying conditions, and more importantly, give them the opportunity to change the performance of their surfboard simply by using a different fin template.

In order for this brainwave to become a reality there would have to be a way to secure the fins to the board. Over the preceding months the idea was transformed into a reality and FCS was born. This would eventually become a pinnacle moment in surfing history. FCS stands for Fin Control System, and this six plug configuration would change the face of surfing forever.

FCS was introduced to the Australian market in 1992 and released globally in 1994. The first FCS plug was patented shortly after the global release and it quickly became the world standard for removable fins. To this day FCS is the strongest, most successful, and also the most widely used fin system in the world.

Since its global release in 1994, 28 ASP World Titles and countless events have been won riding FCS. No other system in the world can lay claim to a single ASP World Title in either the men’s, women’s, junior's, or longboard divisions. The success of FCS is a testament to its advantages over other fin systems, this includes traditional fixed fins as well.

The Advantages:

Surfers can change fins to suit the surf conditions, different boards, their weight and their surfing ability.

Surfers can remove their fins, enabling boards to be packed flat for travel and shipping.

FCS has the world’s most comprehensive range of fins available in the widest number of locations.

FCS fins are designed to break at the tabs before damaging the board or surfer in most impact situations.

Since the first plug design FCS has improved the strength and the performance of the system through extensive research & development of new materials. Although the main principals of the H-pattern and the lateral screw system remain the strength of the system, the product development team at FCS continues to refine the plug design.

Similarly the fins have come a long way from the original black composite fins. FCS now offer an extensive rage of fins in a variety of different materials, templates & foils to cater for any surfer and any kind of surfboard.

Today FCS has operations in several continents, with expanding global distribution networks statigically positioned to ensure the products are available all over the world. FCS has over 80 staff members located in six major offices including Australia, France, Japan, Hawaii, California and Florida. FCS continues to be dedicated to the design, manufacturing and marketing of innovative and quality surfing hardware and surf travel products.